The effect of pollen on serum parameters of rats

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The effect of Trifolium, Raphanus, and Cistus pollen grains on some blood parameters and mesentery mast cells

Three kinds of pollen taxa belonging to 3 families (Fabaceae - Trifolium spp., Brassicaceae - Raphanus spp. and Cistaceae - Cistus spp.) and commonly collected by honeybees were fed to mature male rats separately, in the form of 60 mg/animal/day for a 30-day period. The objective of this study was to investigate any positive effects or possible side effects of the use of pollen on the immune system. This was achieved through blood analysis and cell count on blood, hemoglobin, erythrocyte and immune system cells. The cell concentration of mast cells, degranulization and cell localization were investigated in prepared mesentery tissue samples. Histological investigations of the stomach and duedenum sections of pollen-fed rats were carried out to learn the reason for eosinophil gastroenteritis in the alimentary canal. The eosinophil and lymphocyte levels of rats fed with pollen of Trifolium spp., Raphanus spp., and Cistus spp. were observed to have increased blood cell counts, while neutrophil and monocyte levels decreased; different values were found in basophil leucocytes between the pollen groups. Differing reductions in mesentery mast cell concentration, degranulization and cell localization were found. Within the three separate pollens, the rats having been fed with Cistus spp. pollen were observed to have higher blood lymphocyte, eosinophil, hemoglobin and hematocrit values than those fed with the others, as well as low mesentery mast cell concentration. Hemoglobin values were determined to increase at a proportion of between 10.0-11.3%. No difference was found in other blood parameters. The fat proportion of the male rats fed with the three taxa was between 4.03-8.75%, while that for protein proportion was between 16.11-24.25%. Male rats receiving these taxa did not experience allergic reactions and it is possible to argue that the low protein and fat content of these pollens have a strengthening effect on the immune systems by the increase in lymphocyte content and the amount of hemoglobin leads to an increase of oxygen transport capacity in the tissues

Biosynthesis and Toxicological Effects of Patulin

Patulin is a toxic chemical contaminant produced by several species of mold, especially within Aspergillus, Penicillium and Byssochlamys. It is the most common mycotoxin found in apples and apple-derived products such as juice, cider, compotes and other food intended for young children. Exposure to this mycotoxin is associated with immunological, neurological and gastrointestinal outcomes. Assessment of the health risks due to patulin consumption by humans has led many countries to regulate the quantity in food. A full understanding of the molecular genetics of patulin biosynthesis is incomplete, unlike other regulated mycotoxins (aflatoxins, trichothecenes and fumonisins), although the chemical structures of patulin precursors are now known. The biosynthetic pathway consists of approximately 10 steps, as suggested by biochemical studies. Recently, a cluster of 15 genes involved in patulin biosynthesis was reported, containing characterized enzymes, a regulation factor and transporter genes. This review includes information on the current understanding of the mechanisms of patulin toxinogenesis and summarizes its toxicological effects

Allopurinol Reduces the Lethality Associated with Acute Renal Failure Induced by Crotalus durissus terrificus Snake Venom: Comparison with Probenecid

In Brazil, among registered snake bites, those by the genus Crotalus originate the highest mortality rate. The rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus is the most frequently implicated in these accidents. The kidney is a particularly vulnerable organ to the venom of this rattlesnake. In fact, the most serious complication of Crotalus snake bite is the renal dysfunction, and among the fatal cases of Crotalus bites in Brazil 5% are patients treated with antivenom. The hyperuricemia has been observed in human accidents with snake venoms, but this parameter has not received any special attention as a relevant factor in the etiology of renal dysfunction caused by these venoms. This study examined the effects of treatments with low-cost and low-risk uricostatic (allopurinol) and uricosuric (probenecid) drugs on the envenomation by C. d. terrificus, showing that allopurinol and probenecid mitigated certain nephrotoxic effects, as well as the survival of envenomed mice was improved through the effects of allopurinol on reduction of oxidative stress and intracellular formation of uric acid. This new knowledge provides consistent evidences linking uric acid with the renal dysfunction induced by rattlesnake bites and that the allopurinol deserves to be clinically evaluated as an approach complementary to anti-snake venom serotherapy

Evaluation of the reproductive toxicity of patulin in growing male rats

Patulin is a mycotoxin produced by several Penicillium, Aspergillus and Byssachlamys species. Patulin can be produced on different food products including fruits, grains, cheese, cured meats, but in natural situations patulin is exclusively found in apple and apple products. Patulin, at dose of 0.1 mg/kg bw/day, was administered by gavage to the growing male rats aged 5-6 week for 60 or 90 days. At the end of the experiment, sperm counts and morphology were investigated. Also, effects of patulin on the epididymis, seminal vesicle and prostate tissues were examined histopathologically and morphologically

Investigation of the effects of patulin on thyroid and testis, and hormone levels in growing male rats

Patulin is a mycotoxin produced by several species of Penicillium, Aspergillus and Byssachlamys. Patulin can be produced on different food products including fruits, grains, cheese, cured meats, but in natural situations patulin is usually found in apple and apple products. In the present study, the time-dependent effects of patulin on the T-3, T-4, thyroid stimulating hormone, testosterone, luteinizing hormone and growth hormone levels of growing male rats were investigated. Patulin, at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg bw/day, was administered by gavage to growing male rats aged 5-6 weeks for a period of 60 or 90 days. The dose of patulin used in the present study was based on estimated human exposure levels. At the end of the experiment, serum T-3, T-4, TSH, testosterone, LH and GH levels of rats in control and treatment groups were analysed. In addition, the thyroid and testes were histopathologically examined by light microscopy. Results revealed that while patulin caused an increase (66.6%) in testosterone levels and a decrease (17.3%) in T-4 levels of rats treated for 60 days, there was no change in the other hormone levels compared to those of the control group. When patulin treatment was extended to 90 days, increased serum testosterone (75%) and LH levels (146%) were observed. In histological examinations of the testes of rats treated with patulin, oedema, fibrosis and local Leydig cell hyperplasia in the interstitial tissue, and disorganization of seminiferous tubule epithelium were also observed. In addition, the thyroid of rats treated with patulin revealed lymphoid cell inflitration and enlargement of interstitial tissue between follicles, and degenerated colloid. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Effects of heat-induced food contaminant furan on reproductive system of male rats from weaning through postpuberty

Furan (C(4)H(4)O) is a volatile, colorless liquid and is used in some segments of the chemical manufacturing industry. It is found in variety of foods such as coffee, jarred and canned foods that undergo heat treatment. This study was designed to investigate the effect of furan exposure on reproductive system of male rats. Three to four weeks old rats were exposed to furan at 2, 4 and 8 mg/kg/day doses by orally for 90 days. Hematology, weights, histology and morphometry of reproductive organs, serum LH and testosterone levels, sperm count and morphology and apoptosis in testis were evaluated. Slight changes were observed in hematological parameters of furan-treated rats. The weights of seminal vesicle reduced significantly whereas the weights of prostate increased significantly in the highest furan dose group. LH and testosterone levels decreased in furan-treated rats. Histological examinations have revealed that furan caused impairments in testis, epididymis and prostate gland. Furan showed no effects on sperm counts and morphology. On the other hand apoptotic cells in testis increased significantly. According to morphometrical examination, the epithelial heights and lumen diameters of the reproductive organs have changed in treatment groups. These results indicate that subchronic furan treatment induces toxicity of the male reproductive system. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Protective effects of Turkish propolis on alcohol-induced serum lipid changes and liver injury in male rats

The chemical content of Turkish Castanea sativa propolis is investigated, along with its protective effect against alcohol-induced oxidative stress. The ethanol-propolis extract, at dose of 200 mg/kg body weight/day, was given, by gavage, to male rats for 15 days. At the end of the treatment, serum lipid levels, activities of liver enzymes and other biochemical parameters were measured. HDL level decreased and LDL level increased in the alcohol group, while HDL level increased and LDL level decreased in the alcohol + propolis group. There were decreases in cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the alcohol + propolis group. Also, there were decreases in ALP and AST enzyme activities, but LDH enzyme activity increased in the propolis treatment group compared to the alcohol group. No toxic effects of Turkish C. sativa propolis were found, while it caused an increase in HDL level and a decrease in LDL level. We suggest that these effects are protective against degenerative diseases and against alcohol-induced oxidative stress via free radicals. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved